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language known to the accused. Given the gravity of the penalty of death, the court cannot rely
on such presumption.
PLEA OF GUILT NULL AND VOID
S3 R116 provides that when the accused pleads guilty to a capital offense, the court shall
conduct a searching inquiry to the voluntariness and full comprehension of the consequences of
his plea.
SC said that the searching inquiry must be focused on;
1. Voluntariness of the plea
2. Full comprehension of the consequences of the plea
In this case, the transcript provides that while the court warned him that the imposable penalty
is mandatory death, he would also face some effects on his civil rights. The trial court must explain
to the accused the elements of the crime alleged and the full consequences thereof. There was
even no records that the trial court even tried to know the personality profile of the accused
such as his age, socio-economic status, and education. The trial court merely warned him that
he might be sentenced to death with some effects on his civil rights.
(Other issued involve evidence)
WHEREFORE, the case is REMANDED to the trial court for further proceedings.